Two Teams Linked to Former Indianapolis Colts All-Pro Linebacker

Recently released Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Shaquille Leonard won't have to wait long to find his new home. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the three-time All-Pro cleared waivers and is expected to draw interest from the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Colts’ three-time All-Pro LB Darius Shaquille Leonard cleared waivers today, per source. He is now a free agent.

Teams expected to have some level of interest include the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/l1K3msBc4G
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2023

Leonard was a shocking cut earlier this week. With the Colts since 2018, Leonard had seemingly bounced back from a frustrating 2022 season in which he missed all but three games, starting nine games so far this season and logging 65 tackles.

Still, the Colts clearly didn't see Leonard as a significant difference-maker at this point in his career. He currently sits on a subpar 60.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus over his 455 snaps and has yet to log a sack, forced fumble, pass deflection, or interception through nine starts. Even without those splash plays, Leonard's resume will certainly earn him close looks from teams with a leadership void at inside linebacker.

Evidently, that includes the Cowboys and Eagles. The Cowboys lost longtime veteran linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to a neck injury earlier in the season, and the Eagles have split snaps between Nicholas Morrow, Nakobe Dean, and Zach Cunningham. If a change of location can refresh Leonard, he could help either team, even if just as depth. At 28 years old, it's still possible he can rediscover the explosiveness that made him a star.